(Shela looks side to side before knocking on the door to a house)

Aero: (opens the door) Hey, you okay?

(Shela shushes him and rushes inside)

Aero: What’s going on? You’re freaking me out.

Shela: (pulls something from her pocket) I found some big mana crystals. Dad’s been wanting to hold on to them but if he doesn’t know I found them then he can’t be mad.

Aero: So wait…why are you bringing them here?

Shela: For you and Keeta of course, you numb nuts. I want to encourage his weapon production. 

Aero: Oh, right okay. 

Aero: Sorry Shela I’m barely awake. Let me uh-

Keeta: I heard. (wheels in from another room) Do you want anything in return for these?

Shela: No, just your labor. My dad hasn’t realized just how important these developments are but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be happening.

Keeta: I thought you two were on better terms?

Shela: We are but…I don’t want to outshine my brother anymore than I already have. He’s stressed about this position as is and me coming along and offering all the ideas makes him feel worse. 

Shela: I plan to tell him later but for now, it’s better kept a secret. 

Aero: I guess I can see what you mean. The less friction for you right now, the better.

Shela: Yeah. Anyway I gotta run, I wanted this to be quick and discreet before my dad is up and moving. I’ll see you later at training.

(Shela waves and leaves before the two have time to respond. Thankfully Shela is able to sneak into the garden and spend enough time there gathering a few things to look believable)

(After about fifteen minutes, Roy pokes his head out from the back door)

Roy: Ah, there you are. Your brother wanted to see if you’d head with him to the training grounds early today.

Shela: Oh, sure. (gets up with basket in hands)

Shela: Was there anything else we need to be doing today?

Roy: Nothing that I have planned but check in with Celia and Nick. 

(Shela nods as she sets down the basket of vegetables. Charles is waiting, sitting in a chair)

Charles: You good to go?

Shela: Yeah, let’s head out.

(The two wave to Roy, who is sitting down to drink tea and eat, and head out the door. When they’re down the road a bit, Shela finally speaks)

Shela: So, is something wrong? You almost never want to head out this early.

Charles: I’m just fucking anxious all the time now. I don’t think I’m doing enough but dad is too nice to tell me.

Shela: Charles, you’ve been second in command for what, a few months? And unlike Desmond, you didn’t have military experience. I don’t think anyone is holding anything against you right now, you’re learning.

Shela: You’re such a cocky little shit sometimes, I don’t understand how you’re so freaked out now.

Charles: I’m confident about stupid shit, I fake it sometimes. This is like, serious business. I don’t have that much faith in myself!

Shela: Jesus christ I’m going to kick your ass. Have some faith! It’s not like you’re some nobody off the street, you’re dad’s kid. Dad, who has trained us from a young age, taught us how to take care of ourselves. Taught us how important the people around us are.

Shela: Like, you know all this, I know you do. You show examples of it all the time without realizing it.

Charles: But we both know you should be in this position, not me.

Shela: (sighs) Yeah we do, but we can’t change that now can we. Just fucking I dunno, I’ll tell you what to do?

Charles: Dad will catch on, he’s not stupid.

Shela: So fucking what if he does. You can teach an old fox new tricks sometimes, or at the very least show one when they’re being a fool.

Charles: …Fine. I think you’re a little harsh on dad but I get it.

Shela: Look the way I see it, if I start telling you what to do, the sooner your brain will understand how mine thinks. You’ll start getting it. If you don’t, well the stress is still off your back. 

Shela: In a way, it does actually play to my favor. I hate the attention we already get, it would be so much worse that way. 

Charles: (snorts) I don’t know why you’re so opposed to people liking you and being nice to you.

Shela: I’m not! I just like peace and quiet! (blushing and she walks ahead and down the path to the training arena)

Charles: Suuuure.

Shela: Ugh whatever, we’re here so let’s just do this.

(Shela is aggressive right off the bat, grabbing Charles and tossing him to the ground. He gets back up, only to be knocked down again. Charles manages to push back a bit before getting tossed down once more)

Charles: Geez, I said I get it, you don’t have to be so rough.

Shela: Yeah well I’m kind of still annoyed at what you said and I just want to make sure you realize how much of an idiot you were being.

Charles: Ugh well I get it now okay, lighten up. I won’t say that shit again if you promise not to break my ribs.

Shela: Deal. (helps him up)

Charles: I feel like I should be the one giving you these talks or something.

Shela: I’m sure there will come a time where you get to give me the older brother talks.

Aero: What the hell kind of conversation am I walking into?

Shela: I’m just giving him advice and he hates it.

(Charles glares at her from the background)

Aero: Ah, that checks out. Carry on.

Shela: Nah we’re good now. About time to switch topics while we wait for the others.

Aero: Sounds like Ash is gearing up to train with us today so I asked Anthony to join us. 

Shela: Huh, okay. He’s feeling okay about things then?

Aero: I think so? He’s been training on his own a lot, I don’t even really get why he backed off from training with us.

Shela: Dean won’t explain it to me so I’ve stopped asking. Either way, it’ll be good. I’m sure he could use some pointers for new moves.

(Mark, Ethan, and Anthony show up)

Ethan: Hey gang!

Anthony: It’s been a bit Charles, how you been?

Charles: Yeah, good to see you. I’m doing alright. (blushing) 

Shela: (raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment) He’s better now that I bashed his head in a bit.

Anthony: (laughs) He did tell me about how you tend to actually be the better fighter.

Shela: It’s the ears, they contain all my power. Mom blessed me with the better ears.

Charles: (clearly embarrassed) Oh my god I’m going to kill you right now (acting like he’s going to strangle her)

Ash: Are we training or commiting crimes down here? (walking down the ramp)

Shela: Both. 

Dean: I don’t even know why he asked when you’re involved. 

Aero: (snorts) Right?

Shela: Alright alright, enough jokes. Everyone’s here so let’s pair off.

Shela: Ash and Anthony, you’ve both been gone for a while so I want you to work with me and Charles so we can get you up to speed.

(Charles looks a little annoyed but unable to argue)

Shela: Ethan and Dean you two have trained before but it’s been a bit. Mark and Aero, some with you two.

Charles: So who’s training who?

Shela: Ash, I think you’d actually learn better from Charles. Anthony, since you apparently know how strong I am then I’ll demonstrate. 

Anthony: (chuckles) Sure.

(Charles looks embarrassed so he puts his focus on Ash, walking over to him)

Charles: You okay with being my sparring partner then?

Ash: Yeah that’s fine. Honestly sorry I haven’t been around just, been absorbed in studying really.

Charles: You don’t have to justify yourself. As much as my father would rather have everyone train, I get that sometimes it’s more productive for someone to be doing something else. Generally something they’re good at.

Ash: I appreciate that. Dean said you didn’t seem angry but the longer I put it off, the more difficult it was.

Charles: What brought you here today? 

Ash: I just finally snapped I guess, I was running into dead ends in the research and feeling useless. So back to training it is.

Charles: Well then let’s get started, keep your mind off the bad. Show me what you do remember and we’ll work from there.

(Ash nods. He demonstrates a few moves on Charles, who is ready and blocks him. Suddenly out of no where, Charles knocks him down)

Ash: Oof!

Charles: Oh, sorry if that was a little rough. You’re doing good, it’s clear you’ve been doing some training on your own. But your movements are sloppy, you’re leaving yourself too open. I meant to vocalize that but ehehe, I kind of just acted first. 

Ash: (chuckles) I see. I mean, I guess it’s a good way to learn. Pain is an excellent reminder of things.

(Charles helps him up and they continue. This time with Charles starting to work him through. Transition to Shela and Anthony via seeing them in the background)

(Shela slams Anthony down, clearly not holding back)

Anthony: (wheezes) 

Anthony: (slowly sits up after a moment) I don’t understand why they didn’t have you training in the woods with them a while ago.

Shela: It’s complicated. Maybe it was for the better though, you all might have gotten so battered that you’d want to give up.

Anthony: That sure of yourself huh?

Shela: It’s more joke than anything, I have more faith in you all than that. Additionally, I don’t think I’m indestructible but I do know my skills. 

Anthony: You’re definitely a lot more like Roy than Charles is.

Shela: Yeah well, there’s reasons for that. Now get up.

Anthony: (chuckles and stands) Yes madame drill sergan- (stumbles back, falling to the ground again, though not hard)

Shela: Call me madame again and I’ll be a lot more mean.

Anthony: Damn, you were all jokes earlier.

Shela: I just hate the term, sounds stupid. 

Anthony: Fair enough. (gets up again)

Shela: Your stance is too wide, that’s why I keep knocking you down so easily. Tighten it up, hold your legs firm.

Anthony: Oh, right yeah. (does as she says)

Shela: Come to think of it, you have a lot of problems my brother had, you two must have trained together a lot.

Anthony: Yeah before my injury, we’d spar off a lot. Your father thought we were pretty evenly matched.

Shela: Yeah I can see it.

Anthony: It felt shitty to leave honestly but Roy didn’t want me to strain things further.

Shela: Are you doing okay now? I was sort of slamming you around without thought earlier.

Anthony: I’m better yeah. The only reason I hadn’t returned to training yet was just because of everything happening with Desmond, Charles being promoted.

Shela: It has been pretty hectic but I mean, do feel free to join the other group too. Even if we end up with an odd number of people, we can switch off. 

Anthony: I’ll keep that in mind.

(Shela is about to demonstrate a move but he speaks again)

Anthony: Charles told me you were a big reason there was a push to get Nick more help with the medical department. So I really did want to come here and thank you for that, I wouldn’t have recovered nearly as well without that.

Shela: Yeah well, I’m just doing what needs to be done. Charles also doesn’t give himself enough credit, he was pushing my dad when I couldn’t. 

Anthony: I’ll thank him after training, it would be nice to catch up on things. Assuming he’s got time.

Shela: You can help him check in with Celia, the more help she has the better. Now I appreciate the like…praise or whatever but let’s get back to this.

Anthony: Right, sorry.

(Shela starts demonstrating moves and it fades away as the day goes by)

Charles: Alright, it’s lunch time so we’ll wrap it up for the day. Everybody go rest and eat, that’s an order.

Shela: I like how it’s only an order when you get to tell people to eat.

Charles: Oh shut up.

Anthony: Hey, Charles. Do you mind if I hang with you?

Charles: Oh no but uh-

Shela: I told him you two could go check in with Celia so just go, talk to your friend you fucking nerd.

Charles: I hate you sometimes but also thank you, you’re the best.

Shela: (shakes her head and chuckles to herself)

(Charles and Anthony head up, already hooked in a conversation)

Dean: (appears behind Shela) So squad hang out time?

Shela: Only if your idea of hanging out is to help Nick with medicine stuff. I’ve gotta check in with him and I do remember him saying the drying process would be done soon.

Aero: I’m down for that, Keeta’s working on something and said he needed some quiet, so going home is pointless.

Dean: Not what I had in mind, but sure. Should we invite Ash?

Shela: (shrugs) If he wants? He seems to be holing himself up a lot lately so might do him some good really.

Shela: Hey Ash!

(Ash, who is ahead of them, turns) 

Ash: Yeah?

Shela: If you’re not working on something, do you think you’d mind lending us a hand at Doctor Nick’s clinic? We’ve got to package and prepare some medicinal stuff.

Ash: Oh uh…You know what yeah, sure. I think I need to talk with him anyway.

Shela: (raises an eyebrow) Alright well, thank you. He’ll appreciate the help.

Shela: (quietly to Dean) He’s not sick is he?

Dean: Huh? Oh no, he’s just, been doing a lot of magic research. He’s trying to help me but he’s been refusing help from others. I’m surprised he’s even thinking of talking with Doctor Nick to be honest. 

Shela: Well, take it as a good sign for now. I wish you’d told me sooner though, I’d be willing to talk with my brother and my dad about getting some materials for him.

Dean: Like I said, he didn’t want him. I didn’t say anything out of respect but I’m pretty tired of hanging on to it. 

Shela: Well I hope he’s ready to accept help at this point. I won’t push him but, I am going to look into what I can.

Dean: So they’ve actually been including you in more things like they said?

Shela: Yeah, I’ve been allowed in meetings now. Dad was going to let me in anyhow but that was the one condition Charles had for accepting the position.

Dean: That sounds like him.

(The group arrives at the clinic, Ash stepping inside first)

Nick: Hey, you’ve got a group today!

Shela: Yeah I was hoping those herbs were ready for us to start packing.

Nick: They are, good timing. I was hoping I could ask Roy to send someone over today.

Shela: I’ve been trying to keep track, he’s been handling a few other projects. 

Nick: Well I know Aero knows what to do so you two can show Dean and Ash.

Shela: Actually can you work with Ash? I think he’s got a few questions for you, I’ll get these two started over here.

Nick: Oh, sure thing. You guys can get started on the pile over in that room. (looks confused, points to the room before turning to Ash) Come this way, you can help me grab some of the stuff. 

(Nick takes Ash to one of the back rooms while the others are already headed into the other room)

Shela: Dean you can help Aero bundle some together, I’ll take charge of the other stuff for now.

Aero: Sure, do you remember how many he wants made?

Shela: Start with twenty bundle of each, about a handful. If end up with too much, we’ll bundle that after.

(Aero nods and starts showing Dean the ropes. Shela starts in on grinding things up. Eventually Nick and Ash come into the room, fresh dried stuff in hands)

Nick: Wow you’re all making quick work in here. This next stuff is ready to go when you all are. I know you brought Ash in for help but him and I have something we need to deal with first if that’s okay.

Shela: You’re good, we got this here. Take care of it. (looks directly at Ash as she talks)

Ash: Thank you. 

(The two leave the room)

Dean: Sorry-

Shela: Dean, this is for the good of everyone. Us not having help here is okay if it means something else is happening that’s equally useful.

Dean: I…Yeah okay that’s a good way of looking at it. 

(The room drops to comfortable conversation and work again. Fade to evening. The group standing in front of the door)

Nick: Thanks again for your help, you all have a safe evening.

Group: You too! (the group exits)

Dean: More training tomorrow?

Shela: Probably, I’ll come grab you guys when I know just what the plan is.

Ash: Sounds good, see you guys later.

(Dean and Ash walk in one direction with Shela and Aero heading in another. While walking up, Shela and Aero run into Charles)

Shela: Hey, guess you’re done for the day too?

Charles: Yeah, Celia had us go through the store room again and move some things. Took forever and that space is not comfortable.

Shela: (snorts) Nope. Your boyfriend already head home?

Charles: Ye-Hey he’s not my boyfriend. (blushing)

Shela: Keep telling yourself that.

(Aero trying not to laugh in the background)

Charles: Ugh whatever. I walked him back home, yes.

Aero: Damn, things are serious.

(Shela busts up laughing and Charles rolls his eyes, walking ahead of them. Shela gives a quick goodbye to Aero when they’re at his house before catching up with Charles)

Shela: Sorry, I only tease because I care about you. 

Charles: I know but this is still…a lot. It’s so complicated.

Shela: Hey just remember things aren’t as strict as they were back in the village. We can be who we are here. 

Charles: Yeah I know. It’s still ingrained though, that fear hasn’t really left yet.

Shela: Well, soon. We’ll make sure people are completely comfortable here.

(Charles smiles and they head inside. Roy is sitting at the table again, though this time he’s looking at papers scattered on the table)

Shela: Is everything okay?

Roy: No. The group we encountered before had their Caster Crystal stolen. 

Charles: Oh no…

Roy: It could have been worse they said, a lot of them survived by cooperating. 

Shela: But that makes two known crystals taken…

Roy: Three actually. I got a letter from one of the other groups and the city they were nearby had theirs taken. They saw the soldiers moving in and offered back up but it wasn’t enough. 

Shela: Fuck.

(They’re silent for a moment)

Shela: Should we start reaching out to other groups? See if they know anything about the others?

Roy: That’s…Yes that’s a good plan. Better than anything I’ve been rattling around in my head since I read these.

Roy: (stands up) I’m going to grab Desmond and go to the meeting cave to write some of these. I just need to ramble at him while I think.

Charles: Should I be there or…

Roy: No, you’ve done a lot for the day. Letters have always been my department, Desmond hated writing them. 

Charles: Okay. Should I work on dinner then?

Roy: Yes, I’ll be home in an hour or two. 

(Roy steps outside, once he does Charles sighs)

Charles: Do you think he’s pushing me away?

Shela: No, I think he’s overwhelmed and seeking comfort in what he does know. 

Charles: Okay, I’ll trust you on that. 

(fades from them prepping dinner to Roy and Desmond at the cave)

Desmond: So why am I here again? Isn’t this something you should consult with Charles about?

Roy: I never consulted you when writing letters.

Desmond: Fair point.

Roy: I just…Needed someone to rant to and even though Charles is second in command, I don’t think blasting at him would help. He’s my kid for one but two, he’s struggling as is.

Desmond: Well you kind of threw him into this with no preparation.

Roy: No but…

Desmond: But?

Roy: I think I made the wrong choice.

Desmond: What do you mean?

Roy: Shela was the one I suggested to write these letters, not Charles. I’m not angry with him, it’s just that she’s so quick to analyze a situation and make a plan.

Roy: She’s not perfect at it, there are times where she’s so determined to get something done that she doesn’t pause to think if it will work out as well as she wants. But she’s just more suited to the role, she’s…

Desmond: More like you with how she thinks. Charles has always been more like Clarissa. He can hold his own but he’s more of a free spirit.

Roy: I know. I guess I’ve just spent so long thinking that Shela was like Clarissa that I was completely blind to my own traits within her.

Roy: (chuckles) Tunnel vision…

(Desmond raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment)

Desmond: Well you can’t take it back now. Let Charles continue to be second in command but promote Shela to strategist or something. 

Roy: I guess there isn’t anything stopping me from doing something like that. But I don’t know if that title fits.

Desmond: Third in command then. She’s basically unofficially that anyway.

Roy: But that seems odd. 

Desmond: Jesus christ Roy, you make this so much more difficult on yourself than you need to. Call her a Project Manager for all I fucking care. 

Desmond: I get that you’re still stuck in our old ways but out here, that doesn’t fucking matter anymore. It was all bullshit to begin with but especially now. The camp knows Shela calls a lot of shots, it’s not a fucking secret. They see the way she trains people, they see her around camp getting the news and helping people out.

Desmond: They may not understand or agree with the ranks. But the point is, they know your family as a whole is doing what you can to make this place run the way it does. That’s what matters.

Roy: You’re right. She’s right too. God I have been a fucking fool.

Desmond: Yes, you have. Now suck it up and write those letters. I’ll make sure they get sent out tomorrow if you drop them off to me before the morning.

Roy: You’re not staying?

Desmond: Hey I’ve done my job and I’m a tired old man now. (chuckles as he stands up)

Roy: Okay. If you’re hungry, stop by the house, I’m sure the kids will have made enough to feed an extra mouth.

Desmond: I might take you up on that. 

(Desmond leaves, heading to the house. Roy sighs to himself but picks up his pen and begins writing. His face seems more focused than it has in a while)

(Desmond knocks on the door and Shela answers, looking confused)

Shela: Oh hey Uncle Des, I thought you were with my dad.

Desmond: Yeah I talked him out of the funk he was in. As I was leaving, he said I could be a mooch.

Shela: (laughs and lets him in) Yeah sure, we made enough food to spare so I don’t see why not.

Charles: Is dad okay?

Desmond: He’ll be fine, he just needs to stop over thinking everything. Like I said, I gave him a talk and things will be just fine. If anything, I think you might all be able to function better after this. If not then you can come talk to me, I’ll knock some sense into him.

Shela: (hands him a plate) I’ll hold you to that. 

(The group eats together. Roy eventually is able to join them, though the others have finished their food by that point. Roy hands the letters off to Desmond before he leaves)

(Charles heads to bed, clearly in better spirits. Before Shela heads back, Roy grabs her shoulder)

Shela: Everything okay?

Roy: I just…I wanted to apologize and say you were right. About the tunnel vision.

Shela: Well. You know you’re forgiven dad, sorry if I was a brat about it.

Roy: (chuckles) You were but it’s for the better sometimes. We’ll have a talk with Charles in the morning but I want you two to be more of a team rather than dividing you. 

Shela: Pretty much what we’ve already been doing but I’m glad we don’t have to be all secretive about it. Or at least attempt to be, I didn’t really care but Charles has been taking this hard.

Roy: I know, I don’t like seeing him so stressed. 

Shela: We’ll figure it out, we always do.

(Fades out into the night)